You started your business to earn a solid income, not lose it over an accident. But just one mistake or accident could wipe out your earnings for the month.
One broken window from a weed trimmer could cost you up to $1,700. Without coverage, that could mean missed rent, delayed bills, or taking on debt just to stay afloat. That’s why protecting your lawn care business with insurance is essential to your success.
TL;DR: Do you need insurance for a lawn care business? Absolutely! Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:
- Top risks lawn care businesses face and how insurance protects you
- A breakdown of coverage types (what’s included and what’s not)
- Real risk of facing claims without insurance
- How to get insured fast
What’s the Real Risk of Not Having Insurance?
You don’t need lawn care insurance until you really do. It’s not a matter of if something goes sideways – it’s when. Working outdoors with powerful tools in other people’s spaces means your risks are real and expensive, but with the right prep, they won’t knock you off course.
Here are some common risks you might face:
- Property damage: You’re trimming near a driveway, and a rock kicks up and shatters a car window. Replacements run about $600 to $1,200. Hit a sprinkler line instead? Depending on the damage, you’re looking at $500 to $2,000. One slip and a week’s profit could disappear, but insurance coverage can keep you in the green.
- Bodily injury: A client steps outside, trips on your extension cord, and breaks their wrist. Emergency room (ER) visits, X-rays, and follow-ups could cost $5,000+, and legal fees could push it even higher if they sue. Even a small claim can drag out for months, but with insurance, you’re not stuck playing defense — you have a solid game plan.
- Equipment loss or theft: You finish a job, grab lunch, and return to find your trailer door pried open. Your $3,000 mower and $1,200 worth of handhelds are gone. Without insurance, you either pay out of pocket or stop working until you can afford replacements.
- Employee injury: Your employee helps you with a job over the weekend. They slip off a curb and twist their knee, costing you $2,500 in medical expenses. Accidents happen but insurance means they don’t have to take your business down with them.
- Reputation damage: One negative incident can lead to a one-star review, social media posts, or even a Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaint. With insurance and a quick, professional response, you show you take responsibility and keep the trust you’ve earned.
- Cyber risk: 60% of small businesses that face a cyberattack close within six months. This could cost you thousands in recovery and legal fees. Cyber liability insurance helps cover these costly surprises.
Any incident can threaten to drain your cash reserves, delay jobs, or shut down your business altogether. But with the right insurance, nothing has to stay wrong. It’s your safety net, comeback plan, and confidence booster all in one.
Quick Guide: What Lawn Care Insurance Actually Covers
Not every policy protects you from every risk, and that’s where many lawn care operators get tripped up. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of insurance coverage your lawn care business may need.
| Coverage | What It Covers | What It Doesn’t Cover | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Damage to client property, third-party injuries |
Employee injuries, professional errors, auto accidents |
Every lawn care operator |
|
|
Theft or damage to business tools, mowers, or gear |
Normal wear and tear, mysterious losses |
Anyone with valuable lawn care equipment |
|
|
Medical costs and lost wages for injured employees |
Injuries to contractors or non-employees |
Required if you hire employees in most states |
|
|
Commercial auto insurance |
Accidents involving work vehicles during business use |
Personal vehicle use or non-business accidents |
Anyone using a vehicle for the job |
|
Costs from a data breach or cyber attacks |
Physical damage or theft of equipment |
If you accept digital payments or store customer info |
|
|
Extends coverage to landlords, property managers, and job sites |
Does not provide standalone coverage |
Required for commercial or homeowners association (HOA) contracts |
Tip: Dig deeper into what each policy includes in our complete landscaping insurance guide.
Insurance Isn’t Just for Emergencies, It’s for Growth, Too
Insurance doesn’t just protect you when things go wrong; it sets your business up for success. Many clients won’t even consider hiring you without proof of insurance. Larger jobs, like commercial accounts or HOA contracts, almost always require it.
Coverage can also set you apart from competitors. Showing proof of insurance signals that you’re reliable, responsible, and ready to take on serious work, not just side gigs. That kind of trust builds repeat business and bigger contracts.
And just as important, insurance gives you peace of mind. You can stop worrying about what might go wrong and focus instead on what you’re building – like expanding your team, upgrading your equipment, or finally bidding on that high-dollar HOA contract.
What Happens if You Skip Coverage? (It’s Not Pretty)
Skipping coverage might seem like a way to cut costs until the first time something goes wrong. And in the lawn care industry, something always does. No worries! The right coverage keeps those curveballs from knocking you off your game.
- Out-of-pocket costs for repairs or injury claims: If you damage a client’s property or someone gets hurt, you’re paying the full cost yourself. One cracked window or medical bill can cost thousands, and most clients won’t wait for you to “figure it out.” With insurance, you can handle it quickly, professionally, and without draining your bank account.
- Risk of being sued and losing personal assets: A lawsuit could hit your income and even put your personal savings, vehicle, or home at risk. General liability insurance acts like a financial helmet – protecting what you’ve worked hard to build.
- Denied jobs from clients requiring coverage: Bigger clients and commercial contracts almost always require a Certificate of Insurance (COI). If you don’t have it, they’ll move on to someone who does. But with coverage, you’re ready for bigger, better opportunities.
- Business interruption after equipment theft or accidents: If your gear is stolen or damaged and you’re not insured, you’ll either have to replace it out of pocket or stop working until you can. Lost time equals lost revenue, sometimes thousands per week. With the right policy, you bounce back fast and stay on schedule.
Still wondering if insurance is worth it? Take a peek at the most common lawn care claims and what they really cost without protection. A small monthly premium today could save your whole business tomorrow.
Get Lawn Care Business Insurance Quickly (Without the Hassle)
No need to spend hours on the phone with an agent doing mountains of paperwork. Getting covered is fast, straightforward, and built around how you work.
Here’s how easy it is:
- Customize your policy to fit your tools, location, and team size
- Get a quote online in minutes
- Download your COI instantly after checkout
Rather talk to someone? Our licensed, non-commissioned support team is available in English and Spanish, ready to help you get the best coverage for your needs.
FAQs About Lawn Care Business Insurance
How much does lawn care insurance cost per month?
Lawn care insurance costs as low as $31 per month. Your cost depends on your tools, team, and location.
Do I need insurance if I’m just a solo lawn care operator?
You might be thinking, “I’m just a solo lawn care business, do I really need insurance just to mow a few lawns?” Yes. Even if you work alone, you’re still exposed to major risks – like damaging a client’s property, accidentally injuring someone, or having your gear stolen.
Are landscapers legally required to have insurance?
Laws vary by state, but in many places, you’re legally required to carry workers compensation if you hire employees, even part-time or seasonal ones. But even when it’s not required, clients may still ask for it to award contracts.
Do you need insurance if you mow lawns for extra money?
Yes. Whether it’s your side hustle or full-time business, you can still be held financially responsible for damage or injury. Even if you’re just mowing for neighbors on weekends, one broken sprinkler head or trip-and-fall accident could cost you thousands.
